Roosters halfback Brett Finch returned to the form which saw him nearly win the 2004 Dally M medal against the Bulldogs, and will be looking to lead the side around the park again ? as he did so admirably with 12 men on Friday night.

Finch inspired his team-mates following Adrian Morley?s send-off by telling them to look at the emblem on their chest and dig deep for each other.

Finch?s former halves partner Brad Fittler praised the 23-year-old, saying: ?He?s a passionate guy and a great talker. The players respect him and look to him on the field for direction and he showed that in spades against the Bulldogs.?

The annual Anzac Day clash has produced arguably the best club games of the year over recent seasons, with Fittler inspiring a brave 11-8 win in 2004, while the Dragons stunned the Roosters in 2003 by putting on 18 points in 10 minutes before the Roosters even touched the ball.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown said the significance of the match was not lost on the players.

?None of us would be here enjoying the lifestyles we do today without the men who fought for our country all those years ago,? Brown said.